German brand previews path to autonomous future

Audi set to reveal driverless car concepts

German brand previews path to autonomous future

Audi set to reveal driverless car concepts

09 Sep 2017Andrew Maclean

Audi will reveal its road map to the future of driverless cars at next week's Frankfurt motor show.

The German brand has outlined that will it display two concept cars that build on the automated driving technologies already available in the new-generation A8 limousine, signalling its intent to one of the leaders in artificial intelligence.

The new A8, making its debut public appearance at the Frankfurt motor show, is the first production car to feature Level 3 automated driving systems, allowing those behind the wheel to relinquish control only in heavy traffic conditions.

But Audi will also showcase a pair of concepts that feature Level 4 and Level 5 systems, which respectively provide autonomous driving at highway speeds and then full driverless functionality.

The first, yet-to-be-named concept is an SUV based on the e-Tron Sportback concept that was shown at the Shanghai motor show earlier this year. Featuring three electric motors that generated a combined power output of 370kW, the machine features Car-to-X wireless connectivity which allows it to communicate with other vehicles and infrastructure like traffic lights to operate autonomously at speeds up to 130km/h.

The second concept is a more conventional large sedan with four electric motors, a driving range of up to 800km and fully automated driving.

Closer to now, Audi has also confirmed that its high performance Audi Sport division will reveal the next-generation RS4 Avant, a go-fast station wagon with a 331kW 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 under its bonnet, at the Frankfurt motor show.